Oladapo Bamidele’s Post

For an extended period, my fundamental human rights have been withheld: the right to live, to eat, to be recognized, and to father my children. I have endured denial, blackmail, and unfounded allegations. Nevertheless, I continue to resist being overwhelmed by falsehoods and deception. Despite the internal agony, I refuse to let it become my encumbrance. Instead, I find liberation in expressing myself, and sharing my emotions with those open to listening and observing. The United States Corporation has mischaracterized me, applying labels such as Negro, black, colored, African American—terms confined to a racial context. Recognizing my native ties to this land, I have validated this reality, notifying the United States Corporation of my rejection of their mislabeling and declining any further contract or guardianship, whether known or unknown. Currently unemployed, I collect cans and plastic to sustain myself and my children. I am able to earn up to $99 before being compelled to produce a state ID, which would strip me of my nationality and involuntarily bind me to servitude. While this reality brings profound sorrow, I will not allow it to conquer me. I stand resolute on my ancestors' age-old tenets, reclaiming what is justly ours. I refuse to give in to intimidation. Steadfast as a tree by the water, those of us committed to freedom will not cease until it prevails. We advocate for love, genuine peace, freedom, and justice to uplift humanity and promote self-reliance.

From “Lincoln 365,” by Arnold Kunst September 3 “…It’s not just that that day’s four million slaves were freed; their progeny, otherwise destined to be slaves themselves, were freed. And it is not just that the slaves current and future were freed; their white masters were freed from the incubus of slavery. The rest of the American population was freed from it. An institution which was radically unjust in its very essence was overcome. It is not only that a certain number of living Southerners were ‘held’ in the Union; the principle of the American Union was defended, and not only defended but given a deep redefinition, now with equality at the center alongside freedom.” - William Lee Miller “Here I stand; I can do no other.” - Martin Luther #lincoln365 #abelincoln #arnoldkunst #advicefromgrandpa #abe #honestabe #abrahamlincoln #presidentlincoln #presidentabrahamlincoln #advicefromgrandpa #wisdom #wisdomoftheages #practicaladvice #goodadvice #adviceyoucancounton #commonsense #people #confederacy #confederatestates #confederatestatesofamerica #leveltheplayingfield #think #thinkforfyourself #grandfather #grandson #grandchild #slaves #slavery #freedom #progeny #currentandfuture #masters #incubus #radical #unjust #itsveryessence #radicallyunjust #southerners #theamericanunion #defend #redefinition #martinluther #hereistand #heroworship

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally/internationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond. Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas, a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long over due. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society. General Order Number 3 One of General Granger’s first orders of business was to read to the people of Texas, General Order Number 3 which began most significantly with: "The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer." General Gordon Granger, June 19th 1865 in Galveston, Texas

The path to spiritual enlightenment is through two powerful practices: Firstly, foster the courage to embrace diverse ideas, navigate complexity, and welcome a spectrum of opinions. This is key in resolving disagreements within a balanced context. On the other side, exhibit courage by rejecting neutrality in the face of injustice. Make decisive value judgments, take a stand against bullying, abuse, or oppression, and recognise the harm caused by unequal power dynamics. Remember the profound words of Desmond Tutu: "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor." Healing requires integrity, and integrity thrives in our interconnected global community. 🌍 "In the beyond, all things touch" 🌍 #healing #justice #integrity #spirituality #humanrights #Spiritualenlightenment #peace

With people lining up for, or against, DEI, three questions for DEI, JEDI connections on here. 1. Does DIVERSITY include white people in general and white men specifically? 2. Are men abused and do they deserve EQUITY (getting the resources and support they need)? 3. Does INCLUSION (welcome and belonging) include Jews and Christians?

Until either side nominates a person of integrity instead of serial liars like Biden and Trump, Christians may be better off focusing on our one true Lord and Savior. Doing so may not help us decide who to vote for, but it might make us better citizens, neighbors, parents, and brothers and sisters. Then perhaps, a true servant leader among us will emerge and give us all better candidates. Until that day, His will be done. Check out this blog - "Policy Matters" https://lnkd.in/g7ya54Tj

Celebrate Freedom: Happy Juneteenth! Today, we honor Juneteenth, a significant day in American history marking the end of slavery. On June 19, 1865, the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were finally informed of their freedom—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. At HTF, we honor this day as a reminder of our enduring commitment to freedom and justice. As we reflect on this significant milestone, we also recognize that the fight against slavery continues. Today, we are dedicated to ending modern slavery and human trafficking, ensuring that freedom and dignity are upheld for all. Together, let's reflect on the past, recognize the progress made, and recommit to creating a future where freedom and equality are truly universal. Join us in commemorating Juneteenth by reaffirming our shared values of liberty, justice, and the pursuit of happiness for every individual. Together, we can build a future free from the bonds of modern slavery. #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #CelebrateFreedom #SocialJustice #BlackHistory #EqualityForAll #EndModernSlavery #LibertyAndJusticeForAll #JuneteenthCelebration #FreedomHonored #LibertyAndJustice #HonorHistory

At first glance, the statement "protect everyone's humanity" seems noble and inclusive. Still, when we consider the very real power and privilege dynamics at play (especially at work), it can pacify white fragility and uphold white supremacy. So, let’s talk about it … Read more via the Bloom blog here: https://lnkd.in/dQGmhABw #managementtraining #work #humanresources #DEI

These words from the poetic statement on the Statue of Liberty stand in #liberal defiance of how many so-called #Americans now define #patriotism. the "I've Got Mine" ideology behind "Make America Great Again" denies the #history and #tradition upon which this #nation was founded and affirmed as a #refuge and protector for the #world. It's not a surprise that people no longer respect these words. Even #Christianity in its #nationalism version turns its back on the needy, the poor, and literally, the huddled masses. Instead, we have leaders mocking and denigrating #migrants and #citizens of this country because they abide in the #light of #liberty for all. It is #hypocritical to claim to be #American and then focus all attention on identifying people as "the other." No one is safe from that #fascist approach. And when people defend themselves from being targets of #political #hate, they get blamed for engaging in #identity #politics, or having an "agenda," when in fact most are simply asking for #equalrights and being denied these basic #rights through #judicial #activism, #voter #suppression, #discrimination, #racism, #gender and #orientation #prejudice. If the words on the Statue of Liberty are true, and they used to be, then half of America is heading in the wrong direction, and seemingly proud of it. #MAGA is not American.

Reflecting on #Juneteenth and the ugly reality of slavery in American History. Black Americans have faced impossible odds and relentless injustices. We cannot deny the stain of slavery on our history but we can be proud that the rights that we have in this country were fought for, they were not handed down by a benevolent ruling class. A quote from Toni Morrison keeps ringing in my head today: The function of freedom is to free someone else. What can you do to help free others? Who have you not invited to the table? Whose voices can you amplify? Are you listening to the folks who are greiving an America who has not lived up to her promise of liberty for everyone? With freedom comes responsibility to push the arc of American history towards justice.